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Subject:Bamboo Incense(?) Box & Homework?
Posted By: Dan D Tue, Feb 16, 2021 IP: 104.200.132.10

Hi all,

Another one of my curious items that have completely baffled me. It's a box made from bamboo and my only guess is that its for long 'joss' incense sticks possible for a temple or shrine? Maybe for paintbrushes? I believe the name 'Zhou Dunyi' is on it. Inside this little box came a piece of paper with the following written on it. Unfortunately my Chinese to English translator gets one or two words but not enough for me to research. I believe its some poem. Maybe someones homework or the answers to a test someone put in their pencil box. Oh and its 12.25"H x 3.25"w x 1.5"D. Again, thank you all for your translating help, I really appreciate this group and all the help you provide!

D.D.







Subject:Re: Bamboo Incense(?) Box & Homework?
Posted By: I.Nagy Wed, Feb 17, 2021

江南竹書珍品 - Jiāngnán Bamboo-slip Treasure
愛蓮説    - Speaking of the affection for lotus
宋 周敦頤  - Zhōu Dūnyí of Song Dynasty

湘漳旅遊紀念 - Xiāngtán Tourist Souvenir

The text on the piece of paper is an essay titled; "Speaking of the affection for lotus" by Zhou Dunyi.

Here is my rought translaton,

The flowers of water, land and vegetation are very lovely.
Tao Yunming in the Jing Dynasty loved chrysanthemums only. Since Li of the Tang Dynasty the peooples loved peony.
However, I do like the lotus which is clean even growing in the silt. It passes through the water washing itself and appears pure not like a demon.
The center of the lotus stem runs through and its appearance is straight, without vines and branches. Its fragrance is far reaching and clear. It is an upright and pure plant. It can be appreciated from afar but not touched disrespectfully.
I am convinced that the chrysanthemum is a recluse, while the peony is rich, the lotus is undoubtedly the sovereign.
We seldom find someone who loves chrysanthemum like Tao.
Who show the enthusiasm in the lotus in the same way as I do ? Then who likes peony ? Almost everybody.

With regards,
I.Nagy

Subject:Re: Bamboo Incense(?) Box & Homework?
Posted By: Dan D Sat, Feb 20, 2021

I. Nagy,

Wow! Thank you so much for all the work you put into this! I really appreciate it. It seems the paper came with this box as a tourist souvenir which I have had for years because I just like the box and was afraid of throwing away the paper! My Microsoft Chinese translator only could provide me with Zhou Dunyi and a few words about the Lotus and Tao! Again, thank you for the translation.

D.D.


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